How much sun does Spreading Bent need?

Spreading Bent grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Spreading Bent bloom?

Spreading Bent blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Spreading Bent native?

Spreading Bent (Agrostis stolonifera) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 43 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Spreading Bent toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Spreading Bent as toxic to livestock.

Is Spreading Bent HOA-friendly?

Spreading Bent is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with high maintenance.

Spreading Bent

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Agrostis stolonifera

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Spreading Bent as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–24" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 43 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Sonoran Basin and Range

Spreading bent is a fine-textured cool-season grass that forms dense, low-growing mats through creeping stolons. It produces delicate flower panicles in summer and maintains its green color through most of the year. This grass spreads readily and is often used in high-maintenance lawn applications.

In an HOA neighborhood

Spreading Bent is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: high. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Requires frequent watering and maintenance to look its best
May spread aggressively into other planted areas

Wildlife value

As a grass species, it provides minimal value to pollinators but can offer nesting material and seed for small birds. The dense growth habit may provide some cover for small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Spreading Bent need?: Spreading Bent grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Spreading Bent bloom?: Spreading Bent blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Spreading Bent native?: Spreading Bent (Agrostis stolonifera) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 43 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Spreading Bent toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Spreading Bent as toxic to livestock.
Is Spreading Bent HOA-friendly?: Spreading Bent is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with high maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Spreading Bent? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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